Food from the farmer in your future?

Interested in buying some of your food direct from a farmer this year? Here is a chance to learn more a growing trend called Community Supported Agriculture and meet some farmers who are practicing it.

The Northeast Organic Farming Association is holding it second annual Community Supported Agriculture Fair Series, set for March 3 at the First Unitarian Universalist Society of Albany, at 405 Washington Ave., from 1 to 4 p.m.

Various farmers will be attending to describe their offerings to potential customers. Here is how the what the fair will offer, according to the association’s press release:

What if you could get a season’s worth of produce directly from a local farmer? You can! Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) is becoming a popular way for consumers to buy local, seasonal food straight from the farmer who grows it. Here’s how it works: a farmer offers a certain number of “shares” of the farm’s bounty for sale at the beginning of the season. Typically, the share consists of a box of vegetables, but other farm products may be included, like eggs or fresh bread. Consumers purchase a membership and in return receive a weekly share of produce each week throughout the farming season. You get the freshest produce, picked at the peak of ripeness – not shipped from across the country or stored for weeks.

Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) is a unique economic relationship because it is a partnership between consumers and farmers. Consumers contract with farmers before the growing season begins, and agree to share the risks and rewards of growing food in their local climate. Farmers are free to practice the art of sustainable farming because they are guaranteed a market and an income; consumers receive fresh, just-picked local produce and the satisfaction of helping to keep local farms in business. Each CSA, like every farm, is different and this fair will allow you to find the best fit for your household.